Very informative video, I'm excited to get started on mine. I would love to do my 50 gallon tank or even my 40 gal hex tank, but I think I will do a trial run on my 10 gal tank first.
this is a great idea. after watching your vid i set out and made my own for my 30 gallon african cichlid tank, complete with caves and crawlspaces. it looks amazing and the fish love it.
i guess on larger pieces used for 55 gallon tanks, one could soak it a few times in the tub to lower the ph of the cement before siliconing it to the tank?
GE1 silicone is aquarium safe....ive had setups for over 3 years with it and no deaths......and no concrete isnt bad if cured long enough, thats what almost every aquarium in any zoo is made of....
i want to do this so bad but my tank is already setup with fish(cichlids)..and this takes multiple days to complete..Any suggestions on ways to work around this problem?
Man, You friggin rock <3 lol Im a definate visual learner, and this was peeeerfect! Im gunna start off with my 2 ten gallons first, then go for the big ones.
ive had a tank setup for over 2 years with a BG in it and no problem with a "bleach leak"...as far as color they make a concrete dye in various colors at the same place concrete is sold
very cool, lot of work though, just send me a pic of the finished project I,ll get it digitally enlarged and tape it to the back of my aquarium,lol, good work!!
nice background! so, the concrete doesnt make dangeorus gasses or something for the fish? what kind of silicone are u using? i live in norway, and im not an expert, so ive never heard of "GE 1" .. :) thanks for your answer!
you have been a great inspiration to me. i have a 55 gal that i'm doin the diy rock back ground. the only thing i need to know is the heater going to cause any problems if i hide it in the scape.
Even if you buy it you will not get the benefit of this plecos can make a mess of the expensive stuff. Its basically polystyrene/foam and far to soft. make your own. A bag of pond repair quick drying cement is only £1.95 from wickes.This guy,s like Rolf Harris with the brush. Top video
Awesome video, music, and layout. How would I go about adding color or rather I should say where can I get the coloring to make the color darker in the cement to match lace rock color. Im using a piece of wood instead of foam as well.
Hey, I bought that same brand of Silicone pictured in your video, The GE Silicone Window & Door without Bioseal. It says on the back not to use it on aquariums. Have you had any problems yet with your fish getting sick/dying?
nope i use it all the time, they HAVE to put that on there for legal purposes. as long as u let it dry for at least 36hrs before you get it wet youll have no problems at all
hi insted of emptying the water and putting it back 8 times, is it possible to just fill the tank with water and filter it with a filter for a few days????
hey nice work, im trying to build mine now.... I was wondering if quickrete liquid color would be suitable to use? And also ive read some articles that people layer it with epoxy resin. Do you prefer so?
not that ive ever encountered, i know theres alot of people that will tell you using concrete in an aquarium is bad......but apparently they have never been to the zoo lol.
I like the video. I have finished a couple of boulders and rocks using these same methods. I am looking for a solid base water sealer for my outside pond that is non-toxic. Have you ever heard of products that are safe for fish and plants I will be wanting to seal the whole rock for a fountain and will last outdoors.
im not 100% sure on this because i have not done it myself, but ive heard that "thompsons water seal" is ok if properly cured. i would suggest contacting a couple of manufacturers of sealant , thats what i did with the items used in this video. good luck :)
UGL Dry Lok. You can get it at home depot in the paint department. It is a concrete sealer which is fish safe. It says so on their website. I have actually used it. My fish all lived. Let it dry for 1 week if using it in a pond.
thats one of the best ideas ive seen on you tube to do with fish tanks,keep it up,keep an eye on my profile over the next few weeks as i will be puting some of my fish tanks on
Great Video mate, Could you paint the background, I have lizards and i think it would look awesome. I might try and leave a few holes on it to put some fake plants in!
cool Video! ,i see some questions here ,can i give some answers? ok lol. not need to seal , because styrefoam its water repelent ,and if you want to remove it , no problem no damage only use a sharp razor blade to clean the silicone
actually you DO want to seal the sides......if not fish and other inhabitants can get behind there and die, which can then lead to decompisition and the destruction of your water chemistry.
and as far as removal its erally not that hard, cut the edges and use a metal spatula to pry it off.
I'm curious about the side of the styrofoam that is siloconed to the glass. Is it sealed with anything? If water seeps is will it degrade the foam? I'm in the middle of doing one right now for a 135 gallon. Excellent diy video! The best I've seen.
after you install it i would recommend siliconing around the edges, not so much to keep the styro from rotting. but more for keeping small fish out of there lol.
not quite sure that will work, but another option is to rinse it before you put it in the tank, i would assume its in at least 2 diff pieces if its for a 100gal, so maybe you have a tub or something they will fit in.
if not just put them in the bathtub face down and you will only need enough water to cover them.
awesome. another question. i liked how there was the cut out for the filter. would it be dangerous in anyway to have something similar for the heater? like would the heater do any damage if it were near the styrofoam or if it were heating near the concrete?
im just wondering if you've done anything like this for your other tanks and hows its worked out.
Thanks for the video man, its a great tutorial. Im thinking about adding something like this to my 100g cichlid tank, and ill check back on this when I do! Kutgw!
Ciclids4ever: Well,it's been a week and my background is complete and I siliconed it to the back of my 40 gallon tank last night. I'm going to wait another day before adding the water just to make sure that everything has had enough time to dry and cure. I'm nervous about the water I hope I wasn't supposed to seal the concrete with a type of sealer? I'm sure you would have put that step in if I needed to. How can I send you a photo of the completed tank? Eventually I'll make one for my 60G tank.
Cichlids4ever: Thanks for the awesome "how to" video. I'm in the middle of making my own background using your video. Very helpful.....just what I needed to spice up my own Cichlid tank! Thanks again!!
I know your fish are taken care of cichlids4ever!! I would take advice from you any day.
I was talking to qextroidinaire.
Oh, and I have worked on one of these myself using the same stuff and technique and it is working out nicely! Tomorrow I can do the 2nd coat of cement!
One thing, though, have you thought about using pond sealer? In the UK you can get stuff called G4 - you paint it over the concrete you use to make ponds out of and it forms like a barrier between the concrete and the water. I'm definitely going to have a go at making a background as you do but just to be on the safe side I'll pint it with G4 too, just to make dead sure no lime or anything leeches in to the water.
not sure if we have that on hand around here, but if you drain and fill good enough the concrete doesnt seem to bother it, i have a tank thats been running for almost 3 years with a concrete background and its just fine......but it sounds like a great idea,,,, id just check with the manufacturer of the product to make sure it will be safe........i called on every item used in the video prior to making this
hey it's me agine.well i just got back from pet world and they had some cool looking cichlids there.i'm almost finished with the back ground for the fish tank.i have a 150 salt water fish tank i just bought a dog face puffer and a drawf lion fish.there are perty cool.they both where $60.00 together not to bad.all keep in touch.later.
that was freaking awesome. it sooooo beats the 2D backgrounds that you buy and roll out and tape on the back of your fishtank. I have a 40g. tank and Im down to my last two fish. I was waiting till they all depleted so I could start up a new enviroment and all without stressing out the ones that are alrready there. So this is going to be fun!
for some reason it posted as a comment instead of a reply to your comment qxtroidinaire about letting your fish "deplete" until they were all gone so you could redo the tank
Ok, lets see. I take very well good care of my fish. I wouldn't have a 40gallon community tank if I didn't think I was a good enough keeper. I was just making the remark that I am down to my last two fish. I had decided not to add more or breed my mollys guppies and neons because I want to change the enviroment and the selection of fish to better accomidate the huge tank....
so if you think im a cruel fish keeper than so be it. but whatever, I know what I meant when I made my remark
yes i have used great stuff, it works just as good. the only reason i chose the styro. that i did is you get alot more for the money and its not as messy lol.
Oh.. but when u used greatstuff, did you sand it off and put cement on it or did u just left it as is? I'm planning to do the same thing you did but add some great stuff..
very nice.......and cheap too.......i would have never thought of that for my tank.......wat kind of colors do you use for the backgrounds....are they just regular food coloring...?????
nope, not as long as the drain and fill process is done correctly.....just drain and fill until youre PH matches that of youre normal tap water then youre good.....ive hade one up for years like this and its still goin strong, with zero deaths or ilnesses :)
Looks great and being a model railroader i am very familiar with the styrofoam sheets...I want to be sure I am clear on a couple things. The ph drops stop after the initial 8 or so drain and fills right? The concrete colorings-You are positive they are fish safe?
on the PH yes you can stabilize it if you rinse good, ive had one running for over 2 years now and not one problem,......as for the color ive used it several times woth no problem as well. i chose not to use color on this one cause it goes to a 3 tank setup im workin on
doesnt the concrete continue to leech stuff into the water raising the ph? that might be ok for cichlids but what about fish that like a low ph? have you ever sealed them with something like yacht varnish to stop this happening?
now that's nice.
rdko7 1 year ago
Very informative video, I'm excited to get started on mine. I would love to do my 50 gallon tank or even my 40 gal hex tank, but I think I will do a trial run on my 10 gal tank first.
BevelySouth 2 years ago
Had a hard time keeping cichlids alive before youtube,, had more fun watching the video than the upkeep so thanks for posting!
jaydanpaul 2 years ago 5
how is a black background professional looking?
cichlids4ever 2 years ago
hi i was just wondering if the concrete has sand in it or is it just cement and water and is this in every coat
dannymcdougall87 2 years ago
i didnt put any sand in it, but it would be ok if u did
cichlids4ever 2 years ago
Great, well done. I got a 480l tank, instead of draining it 8 time , to lower the PH, wouldn't be easier to do it in the bath tub ???
Would any cement do?
Thanks for your answers
mmagnocavallo 2 years ago 3
Just rinse it a few times before you put it in the tank and let it dry so the silicone can stick to the back.
gofastaristo 2 years ago
Hope u can help me! I read all the comments, and they answered the question i asked.
But there's one question I haven't found.
When i soak it in the tub it floats would the silicon be hard enough to hold it down in the tank? I made it thicker then yours.
Thanks hope u can answer
mmagnocavallo 2 years ago
wonderful video and a well done job. Congrats!
Hapoieyano 2 years ago
this is a great idea. after watching your vid i set out and made my own for my 30 gallon african cichlid tank, complete with caves and crawlspaces. it looks amazing and the fish love it.
gallardo309 2 years ago
this is exactly what i wanted to see too. such ingenuity. lol but i wish i could just pay you to make one though.
welcomegohome 2 years ago
Yeah, I think you just showed me what Ive been looking for. Thanks for sharing
armybradarmy 2 years ago 14
Genius idea, very effective!!
Snailmum 2 years ago
i guess on larger pieces used for 55 gallon tanks, one could soak it a few times in the tub to lower the ph of the cement before siliconing it to the tank?
MyLyssophobia 2 years ago
you should only use aquarium grade sealant, and isnt concrete REALLY bad for the aquarium...
azncardninja169 2 years ago
GE1 silicone is aquarium safe....ive had setups for over 3 years with it and no deaths......and no concrete isnt bad if cured long enough, thats what almost every aquarium in any zoo is made of....
cichlids4ever 2 years ago
if you cut tht pyro foam it makes a creepy noise that you cant take
sloppi1234 2 years ago
how do u add color, just paint to the concrete
chipalike 2 years ago
KRYLON FUSION spraypaint
cichlids4ever 2 years ago
hey two questions when you do the concrete step do you coat the back to.
Also Can you do the same thing for the bed of your aquarium instead so you don't have to use gravel.
stupidmexicanchicken 2 years ago
yes you can if youd like
cichlids4ever 2 years ago
i want to do this so bad but my tank is already setup with fish(cichlids)..and this takes multiple days to complete..Any suggestions on ways to work around this problem?
KGArtist 2 years ago
you can buy a plastic storage bin (like we use for sumps) to hold the fish in, just set it up like a tank
cichlids4ever 2 years ago
wow this is so cool thanks for sharing!!!
michelletian17 2 years ago
this is very useful just diyfs
CAPRICES4LYFE 2 years ago
Wow thanks for such an informative video!!! Very simplied directions for an awesome background. Thanks for sharing it for others to learn from.
K9Luvn 2 years ago
You are an artist too man! Your designs are great! Thanks!!!!!
abaneyone 2 years ago
Man, You friggin rock <3 lol Im a definate visual learner, and this was peeeerfect! Im gunna start off with my 2 ten gallons first, then go for the big ones.
CrystallineEnitity 2 years ago 2
cool :)
REEFDADDY2008 2 years ago
Absolute GENIOUS!!
sweet05xb 2 years ago
If i want add colour. Which of type can I use pls ? I asking becouse is many and I dont know which cant harm a fish . Thank you for benefiting video.
melanochromis1975 2 years ago
Great Video,
Just wondering about two things the bleach in the Styrofoam if that will leak into the water and if you can use cement colouring.
thanks mate
jimmymaherAus 2 years ago
ive had a tank setup for over 2 years with a BG in it and no problem with a "bleach leak"...as far as color they make a concrete dye in various colors at the same place concrete is sold
cichlids4ever 2 years ago
is this concrete dye able to harm the fish
izbiz513 2 years ago
what about using spraycans of PUR foam
to make a background
shiwadesign 2 years ago
that works just fine too
cichlids4ever 2 years ago
I heard that concrete was toxic for fish.
AvakandEhcko 2 years ago
you heard wrong brotha.......hell concrete is what all the zoos aquariums are made of
cichlids4ever 2 years ago
this video is awesome! i'd love for you to make it part of the videos at AquariaSpot,com so all the other members could benefit from it. Great DIY!
aquariaspot 2 years ago
thats interesting?
i have just a few questions though?
why is it that when i garf rock it takes forever to get the ph down? at least 1 month in fresh, then more time in salt.
ctenophor 2 years ago
not quite sure what "garfing" a rock is ?
cichlids4ever 2 years ago
the best vid for theese things ive seen yet im definatly usuing this one
edga749 2 years ago
very cool, lot of work though, just send me a pic of the finished project I,ll get it digitally enlarged and tape it to the back of my aquarium,lol, good work!!
750ACEMAN 2 years ago
nice background! so, the concrete doesnt make dangeorus gasses or something for the fish? what kind of silicone are u using? i live in norway, and im not an expert, so ive never heard of "GE 1" .. :) thanks for your answer!
mrteyssere 3 years ago
is this idea for glass tank only or acrylic as well? thanks
oiangelloveio 3 years ago
Ive used cement on mine it look cool will it work just the same?
ollieflp 3 years ago
Nice job! Any suggestions how to this for 260L tank...? Would it be possible to do it outside the tank?
rubishbubish 3 years ago
not sure you would get the same effect on the outside, but you might have to make it in 2-3 diff sections for a 260L
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
Can this be done using polystyrene?
ollieflp 3 years ago
Hi can you use polystyrene for this too?
ollieflp 3 years ago
yes you can
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
you sure can
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
you have been a great inspiration to me. i have a 55 gal that i'm doin the diy rock back ground. the only thing i need to know is the heater going to cause any problems if i hide it in the scape.
mistergrimey 3 years ago
naah it will be fine, alot of people have asked about that but the insulations made to withstand heat and cold lol, youll be just fine
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
If you put a heater in that tank will it burn the background or will it be fine
Cichlidsguy1234 3 years ago
i have had a heater for a long time & its been fine
reptilefan100 3 years ago
if you have a heater in the tank will it burn the foam at all or what
Cichlidsguy1234 3 years ago
Even if you buy it you will not get the benefit of this plecos can make a mess of the expensive stuff. Its basically polystyrene/foam and far to soft. make your own. A bag of pond repair quick drying cement is only £1.95 from wickes.This guy,s like Rolf Harris with the brush. Top video
111Thelimit 3 years ago
i mite try that in the shops they charge over £100 per sheet in the uk
Driveyou31 3 years ago
cool
iIFAET 3 years ago
Awesome video, music, and layout. How would I go about adding color or rather I should say where can I get the coloring to make the color darker in the cement to match lace rock color. Im using a piece of wood instead of foam as well.
streetart65 3 years ago
Holy crap......amazing!
UcantBeSerious03 3 years ago
Hey, I bought that same brand of Silicone pictured in your video, The GE Silicone Window & Door without Bioseal. It says on the back not to use it on aquariums. Have you had any problems yet with your fish getting sick/dying?
liverleef 3 years ago
nope i use it all the time, they HAVE to put that on there for legal purposes. as long as u let it dry for at least 36hrs before you get it wet youll have no problems at all
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
i HAVE A 55 GALLON TANK. i MIGHT NEED YOUR HELP ON IT, IT'S BRAND NEW, I NEVER USED IT AND i WANT IT TO BE PERFECT. THANK YOU SO MUCH...
P5ODIGY 3 years ago
AWSOME video, awsome music, and of corse awsome background. TnX man
RofLNinJaZ 3 years ago
roach you are a genius
7milewest 3 years ago
lol i wouldnt say that, but i try
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
hi insted of emptying the water and putting it back 8 times, is it possible to just fill the tank with water and filter it with a filter for a few days????
ritz519 3 years ago
Very creative... and practical. Great song too. Keep up the great work.
tendrilclaw 3 years ago
hey nice work, im trying to build mine now.... I was wondering if quickrete liquid color would be suitable to use? And also ive read some articles that people layer it with epoxy resin. Do you prefer so?
poisonXvenom 3 years ago
WOW impressive work! Might make one sometime
ultrafishaddict 3 years ago
oh, and btw, excellent job and video!
pigggo 3 years ago
lol ty
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
are there any other water parameters that we need to be concerned about besides the PH? (i was thinking of making one for typical FW community fish)
pigggo 3 years ago
not that ive ever encountered, i know theres alot of people that will tell you using concrete in an aquarium is bad......but apparently they have never been to the zoo lol.
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
wow nice
might make one!!
officeresti 3 years ago
nice!
al3xtt 3 years ago
this is more helpful then the other diy 3d background video.
pilotdude006 3 years ago
Very nice, I noticed you were using a 10 gal tank. Are there any "gotchas" when using this method to create a background on larger tanks (55 gal)?
liverleef 3 years ago
if your tank has a divider youll need to make it in 2-3 peices other then that no lol
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
Wow i like so much!!! Very creative and thank you so much!!!
Diman245 3 years ago
I like the video. I have finished a couple of boulders and rocks using these same methods. I am looking for a solid base water sealer for my outside pond that is non-toxic. Have you ever heard of products that are safe for fish and plants I will be wanting to seal the whole rock for a fountain and will last outdoors.
Thanks
Matt
mattocaptain 3 years ago
im not 100% sure on this because i have not done it myself, but ive heard that "thompsons water seal" is ok if properly cured. i would suggest contacting a couple of manufacturers of sealant , thats what i did with the items used in this video. good luck :)
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
UGL Dry Lok. You can get it at home depot in the paint department. It is a concrete sealer which is fish safe. It says so on their website. I have actually used it. My fish all lived. Let it dry for 1 week if using it in a pond.
iaasdfwtx2 3 years ago
thats fantastic looking!!
i take it you can use those backgrounds for turtles aswell, they wouldn't be able to eat it? or break any pieces off??
xogsbabex 3 years ago
i have never personally used one with a turtle, but i dont see any reason why they would even want to bite at it lol
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
Great job I will beggin my own background bussines, thanks for sharing the video.
ivantampico 3 years ago
awesome glad i could help, dont forget to post a reply
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
good music great video thanks
biskwic 3 years ago
ty ty
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
nice!!!
itzik415 3 years ago
i have beek looking all over 4 DIY decor now i know thank u
1whitetiger11 3 years ago
very nice
explorersmz 3 years ago
good job mate you make it look easy enough Im gonna give it a go myself...
thegottibrown 3 years ago
awesome dude !
AweSomo84 3 years ago
NEVER MIND i UESED HOT GLUED IT BUT THE VIDEO IS NICE ALL i NEED IS CEMENT
maximkrouchininin 3 years ago
cant you use superglue to the rockes
maximkrouchininin 3 years ago
im not sure on super glue, but i know reef guys use it for frags so they might know lol
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
thats one of the best ideas ive seen on you tube to do with fish tanks,keep it up,keep an eye on my profile over the next few weeks as i will be puting some of my fish tanks on
daledgend1981 3 years ago
Great Video mate, Could you paint the background, I have lizards and i think it would look awesome. I might try and leave a few holes on it to put some fake plants in!
SPCHIE 3 years ago
yes you sure can, with KRYLON FUSION paint, also they make concrete dyes to color it, but the paints cheaper and easier :)
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
would this work for saltwater aquariums as well?? is it safe for corals etc?
dv8boy123 3 years ago
im pretty sure you can, ive found where people make their own live rock using the same concrete.
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
How long do you soak it each time? It looks like you fill and then drain right away.
iaasdfwtx2 3 years ago
i usually let it sit about 2 mins before i drain it, just did that fast for the video
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
awsome, very good, will definitely be trying this, but im scared that my concrete is poisonous
ratgreen 3 years ago
as long as you let it fully cure, and rinse it properly theres no problem
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
cool Video! ,i see some questions here ,can i give some answers? ok lol. not need to seal , because styrefoam its water repelent ,and if you want to remove it , no problem no damage only use a sharp razor blade to clean the silicone
juanjesuschong 3 years ago
actually you DO want to seal the sides......if not fish and other inhabitants can get behind there and die, which can then lead to decompisition and the destruction of your water chemistry.
and as far as removal its erally not that hard, cut the edges and use a metal spatula to pry it off.
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
This is really awesome, thank you for making this video.
F40PHWIN 3 years ago
Have you ever tried to remove one from the tank? Is the silicone permanent, or can it be removed without damaging the tank?
Thanks!!
BrainTusk 3 years ago
I'm curious about the side of the styrofoam that is siloconed to the glass. Is it sealed with anything? If water seeps is will it degrade the foam? I'm in the middle of doing one right now for a 135 gallon. Excellent diy video! The best I've seen.
iaasdfwtx2 3 years ago
after you install it i would recommend siliconing around the edges, not so much to keep the styro from rotting. but more for keeping small fish out of there lol.
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
how many days does it take overall?
well1234567 3 years ago
well it really depends on how long you take on the cutout and all that, the concrete part takes about 4-5 days
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
instead of draining the tank 8 times can you use a hose and spray it in the yard? i have a 100 gallon aquarium and it takes foreever to drain.
well1234567 3 years ago
not quite sure that will work, but another option is to rinse it before you put it in the tank, i would assume its in at least 2 diff pieces if its for a 100gal, so maybe you have a tub or something they will fit in.
if not just put them in the bathtub face down and you will only need enough water to cover them.
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
Great video on how to make a background.
aikirich2002 3 years ago
does it matter what kind of styrofoam you use?
dormfish 3 years ago
i think most styro will be ok
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
awesome. another question. i liked how there was the cut out for the filter. would it be dangerous in anyway to have something similar for the heater? like would the heater do any damage if it were near the styrofoam or if it were heating near the concrete?
im just wondering if you've done anything like this for your other tanks and hows its worked out.
dormfish 3 years ago
Wow thank you for taking time and making this tutorial, amazing job!
Can't wait to do it myself. Keep up the good work!
m4a1jason 3 years ago
Wow thank you for taking time to make this video. Great tutorial.
Keep up the good work!
m4a1jason 3 years ago
Although I honestly dislike your design of the background, this is the best DIY aquarium background tutorial video on the web! Thanks!
KrosisHTS 3 years ago
Thanks for the video man, its a great tutorial. Im thinking about adding something like this to my 100g cichlid tank, and ill check back on this when I do! Kutgw!
Nelsin82 3 years ago
awesome, cant wait to see it
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
Ciclids4ever: Well,it's been a week and my background is complete and I siliconed it to the back of my 40 gallon tank last night. I'm going to wait another day before adding the water just to make sure that everything has had enough time to dry and cure. I'm nervous about the water I hope I wasn't supposed to seal the concrete with a type of sealer? I'm sure you would have put that step in if I needed to. How can I send you a photo of the completed tank? Eventually I'll make one for my 60G tank.
Seed0529 3 years ago
Cichlids4ever: Thanks for the awesome "how to" video. I'm in the middle of making my own background using your video. Very helpful.....just what I needed to spice up my own Cichlid tank! Thanks again!!
Seed0529 3 years ago
your very welcome, please post a video of it when ya done :)
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
thanks for the name of the songs, just got em off itunes!
johnk1techexperience 3 years ago
what exactly did u mean by letting all of your fish deplete? that is what made you sound like someone that i would not trust fish with.
what is the name of this song? i find myself playing this video in another window behind the other ones just to listen to the song.
johnk1techexperience 3 years ago
what did i ever say about fish depleting? lol
maybe it was someone else...ive never had a fish die or even get sick in one of these tanks :)
and the two songs are
"the warmth" by incubus
and "clean" by incubus
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
it was qextroidinaire i was talking to, for some reason the replies were posting as comments
johnk1techexperience 3 years ago
I know your fish are taken care of cichlids4ever!! I would take advice from you any day.
I was talking to qextroidinaire.
Oh, and I have worked on one of these myself using the same stuff and technique and it is working out nicely! Tomorrow I can do the 2nd coat of cement!
I will post a video when I am finished with it.
johnk1techexperience 3 years ago
Genius.
One thing, though, have you thought about using pond sealer? In the UK you can get stuff called G4 - you paint it over the concrete you use to make ponds out of and it forms like a barrier between the concrete and the water. I'm definitely going to have a go at making a background as you do but just to be on the safe side I'll pint it with G4 too, just to make dead sure no lime or anything leeches in to the water.
If it goes wrong, can I sue you? LOL
Astronotus57 3 years ago
not sure if we have that on hand around here, but if you drain and fill good enough the concrete doesnt seem to bother it, i have a tank thats been running for almost 3 years with a concrete background and its just fine......but it sounds like a great idea,,,, id just check with the manufacturer of the product to make sure it will be safe........i called on every item used in the video prior to making this
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
eep! it is not letting me respond
johnk1techexperience 3 years ago
it looks nice but personally I have always stuck mine on the back of the tank. my oscars would chew away at the styrofoam. nicw video though.
hawkwind999 3 years ago
thank you
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
really compliments!!!!
OShehan 3 years ago
thank you :)
their one of my favs lol
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
how do i chane the color?
gfj64 3 years ago
they sell concrete dye usually wherever you buy concrete, its available in everything from yellow to black... ive found it at lowes the easiest.
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
thanks.
gfj64 3 years ago
hey it's me agine.well i just got back from pet world and they had some cool looking cichlids there.i'm almost finished with the back ground for the fish tank.i have a 150 salt water fish tank i just bought a dog face puffer and a drawf lion fish.there are perty cool.they both where $60.00 together not to bad.all keep in touch.later.
hotvws3 3 years ago
nice, cant wait to see how the background turns out for you, and good deal on the fish also
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
that was freaking awesome. it sooooo beats the 2D backgrounds that you buy and roll out and tape on the back of your fishtank. I have a 40g. tank and Im down to my last two fish. I was waiting till they all depleted so I could start up a new enviroment and all without stressing out the ones that are alrready there. So this is going to be fun!
qxtroidinare 3 years ago
you sound like a responsible fish keeper...
johnk1techexperience 3 years ago
was that suppose to be sarcasm...........
qxtroidinare 3 years ago
were you reffering to john's comment?
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
yes, cichlids I was.....
qxtroidinare 3 years ago
for some reason it posted as a comment instead of a reply to your comment qxtroidinaire about letting your fish "deplete" until they were all gone so you could redo the tank
johnk1techexperience 3 years ago
Ok, lets see. I take very well good care of my fish. I wouldn't have a 40gallon community tank if I didn't think I was a good enough keeper. I was just making the remark that I am down to my last two fish. I had decided not to add more or breed my mollys guppies and neons because I want to change the enviroment and the selection of fish to better accomidate the huge tank....
so if you think im a cruel fish keeper than so be it. but whatever, I know what I meant when I made my remark
qxtroidinare 3 years ago
i promise you my fish are taken care of very good.
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
a very nice fish tank that is the coolest thing i have seen about fish tanks.
hotvws3 3 years ago
lol well thank you very much,,,,,try it out :)
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
very nice fish tank well done.
hotvws3 3 years ago
wooooooooooooow the look is charming
keep it up
great work
aya4islam 3 years ago
Good video.
Nam8Macs 3 years ago
thanks :)
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
Have you ever used foam insulator called "greatstuff". I have a can lying around and i need some tips for my 10g fw
iLLaPiNo83 3 years ago
yes i have used great stuff, it works just as good. the only reason i chose the styro. that i did is you get alot more for the money and its not as messy lol.
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
Oh.. but when u used greatstuff, did you sand it off and put cement on it or did u just left it as is? I'm planning to do the same thing you did but add some great stuff..
iLLaPiNo83 3 years ago
Hey man this rocked Im gunna keep this in mind because alot of aquarium backgrounds suck :)!
mrssabrinaschmitt 3 years ago
hi man! great video!!! i like it very much!
liorasis 3 years ago
thanks :)
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
very nice.......and cheap too.......i would have never thought of that for my tank.......wat kind of colors do you use for the backgrounds....are they just regular food coloring...?????
32186 3 years ago
actually they make concrete dye, its a powder and can be found with the concrete resurfacer.
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
realy nice! but is this not toxic to the fishes?!
fesojistheshit 3 years ago
nope, not as long as the drain and fill process is done correctly.....just drain and fill until youre PH matches that of youre normal tap water then youre good.....ive hade one up for years like this and its still goin strong, with zero deaths or ilnesses :)
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
Looks great and being a model railroader i am very familiar with the styrofoam sheets...I want to be sure I am clear on a couple things. The ph drops stop after the initial 8 or so drain and fills right? The concrete colorings-You are positive they are fish safe?
pappy15445 3 years ago
on the PH yes you can stabilize it if you rinse good, ive had one running for over 2 years now and not one problem,......as for the color ive used it several times woth no problem as well. i chose not to use color on this one cause it goes to a 3 tank setup im workin on
cichlids4ever 3 years ago
doesnt the concrete continue to leech stuff into the water raising the ph? that might be ok for cichlids but what about fish that like a low ph? have you ever sealed them with something like yacht varnish to stop this happening?
ornumdivad 3 years ago